HISTORY OF HORTICULTURE IN MINNESOTA. 127 



SHADE TREE.S AND EVERGREENS. 



The .subject of shade trees and evergreens was discussed at s(jme length. 



In the matter of shade trees, the prevailing sentiment seemed to be in favor 

 of hard maple and rock elm, the only objection to the former being on ac- 

 count of its slow growth. It was said' that if set in the Fall, it makes a 

 nmcli more rapid growth. Rock elm makes a handsome tree, and grows 

 rapidly if properly planted and cared for. Box elder is subject to borers, but 

 is a handsome tree and can be trimmed into any shape. Soft maple has its 

 admirers on account of its very rapid growth, besides being a handsome tree ; 

 but is very much troubled with borers and with the splitting of the limbs. 

 Hackberry was well spoken of by one or two persons. 



Mr. Brand has seen the American Chestnut 15 years old and bearing, and 

 is of the opinion that it will do well with us. Others also spoke well of this 

 tree. Black walnut is a good tree and bears in six years. 



The best time to set deciduous trees is in the Fall or early Spring. The 

 tops of trees should not be cut off, as it makes them unhealthy. People 

 mistake in setting large trees. A small, thrifty tree will soon overtake one 

 that is so large that it must have the top cut off when it is set, and the former 

 will grow into the handsomest and most healthy tree. 



With care, evergreens can can be set almost any time of year. Very early 

 in the Spring is as good as any time, if not the best. August is a good time, 

 and in May also, when the buds begin to burst. The roots should be care- 

 fully kept from exposure. The ground should be mulched immediately aftei- 

 setting. Norway spruce is probabl}' the best evergreen for shade ; the arbor 

 vit^e, for a hedge. As a timber tree, the larch is valuable. 



At the close of this discussion, some resolutions of thanks were voted, and 

 another meeting of the Society appointed to be held in Minneapolis, the last 

 of June, or early in July. Mr. Brand presented a list of topics for discussion 

 at the next meeting which were adopted, as follows : 



TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION. 



1st. Forest tree culture, and the varieties to be planted. 



2d. Evergreens. — The best varieties for timber, shelter, hetlgiuu" and 

 ornament. Their culture, &c. 



3d. Hedging. — What to use, and culture. 



-1th. Orchard cultivation, pruning, &c. 



.")th. Orcharding for profit. 



(ith. The Raspberry. — Cultivation, marketing, v<irieties to plant, ^<:e. 



7tli. The Strawberry. — Varieties, cultivation, marketing, &c. 



8th. Insects injurious to fruit ; their habits ; how to destroy, «S:c. 



0th. Pears. — Culture, soil, and varieties. 



10th. Cherries. 



11th. To beautif}' our homes, horticulturally considered. 



On motion, the President was instructed to appoint persons to write essays 

 on each of the above topics, one person to each topic. 



